From the constantly troubled and back streets of the Niger Delta region, Irikefe Obareki, famously known as Kefee, has sang her way to fame and fortune, thereby gaining both national and international recognitions. As an inspirational cum gospel musician, sultry Kefee, has not only traversed the length and breadth of her crisis-ridden Niger Delta region, but the entire nation, preaching peace and love with her songs and sonorous voice. In fact, the happily-married Branana crooner, with two hit albums to her credit, is seen as a role model to millions of youths, especially those from her region.
In this lovely encounter, the petite artiste, currently on Alec’s Music, passionately took us down memory lane and revealed how her romance with music and the klieg lights began. She also spoke on the early challenges, how she conquered, why she married the boss of her label, and many more.
Enjoy the interaction!
What’s good, what’s new, and what’s cooking with Kefee?
Everything is good and there are so many things I’m working on; my new album, I’m also doing the concluding part of Branama Two. I have Branama One and Two and the Two has a video CD, it was so because we could not put all the videos in one CD, so we decided to break it into parts, it is coming out this December.
In the video, I remixed Branama with Paul Play Dairo, we did the song in Yoruba and Urhobo. I also worked with Sunny Neji, Freestyle and other artistes on the project; in fact, it’s a loaded project. Aside this, my label, Alec’s Music, is also planning of releasing other artistes on our label, like Dude Tetsola, Teddy King and others. Aside the video, I’m also working on my new album, which I promised my fans, would be out, hopefully next year. And don’t be surprised to hear Branama in Spanish, because it’s a good song.
What’s the latest on your peace initiatives for the Niger Delta region?
Well, I have done my beat and still doing what I can to reach out to my Niger Delta people. I had a peace show tagged Niger Delta Peace Concert, and it was a huge success and star-studded. It held just a week to the April elections and people are still talking about. It was a free concert aimed at bringing peace to my Niger Delta region. I followed up with another one, which was also very successful with several Nollywood stars and musicians.
What inspired these concerts?
First, Niger Delta is where I come from and I love my people so much and it was just the little I could do for peace. Besides, we need so many reasons to be happy in that area. We also need development in that area and should not distract good things from coming to us. The concerts were also another means of telling the youths to make good use of their time. The world knows about our plight and it is really time for our people to dialogue and stop the kidnappings and other terrible acts going on. With all these in mind, I decided to embark on the concerts to preach peace and love. We are also helping one or two children by seeing them through schools.
But how optimistic are you that with concerted efforts from people like you, the much-eluded peace would return to the Niger Delta region?
I am 100% optimistic that peace would definitely return soon and this is also the hope of everybody, especially people from my region.
We are also praying and hoping that things should also get better for Nigeria. The Niger Delta problem affects all Nigerians and not only us. My concerts would also be held annually. We also want to be visiting schools and be donating books and other materials to the students. All these are going to be done under Kefee Peace Foundation; I don’t want to call it an NGO yet. I’m doing this, not because I have so much, but just to touch lives and help humanity in my own little ways. Besides, instead of dashing out recharge cards always why not channel the money into things that are beneficial to the society.
In your quest to help advance the course of peace in the Niger Delta and also assist in ameliorating their sufferings, what would you say are the major challenges?
Well, personally, I will say finance, because for any good thing to really work, it must be funded adequately, especially here in Nigeria. I cry must times, when I see people suffering and that is why I always try to help in my own little ways. Since I can’t do much, let me just contribute my little efforts towards positive change. So, in essence, finance remains my major challenge but I’m also trying my best. Again, if you begin to source for money, a lot of people will begin to misconstrue your good intentions. So, I’m very, very careful in soliciting for funds.
How did you come about the name, Kefee?
Kefee, was extracted from my real name, Irikefe Obareki, but now Godwin that I’m married. Sometimes, in 2000, I released an album with a friend of mine; we were in a group together and decided to go by the name Estee and Kefee.
Was that how your journey into music started?
After releasing with my group in 2000, I think I started professionally in 2003 and that was when I released Branama. But the group album was titled TRIP, fortunately, it was this same Alec’s Music that released us.
Was that also when the ‘toasting’ started?
Well, if you say so, but I was still at Uniben then. Estee is also the younger sister of my husband. She is in the US now and works with the U.S Navy. So, I went solo when she left.
What is Branama and where and how did you come about it?
Branama means show-off, shakara, an Urhobo word for too much effizi. I also showed off with Branama, because at that point in my life I had reasons to show off. The album has nine tracks and it’s a gospel work cum inspirational work. Alec’s Music, which is owned by my husband, also produced and released the work, but we did the recording in Port Harcourt. It was a thanksgiving song and I sing about anything I believe in, especially God, which I believe in so much. I came to Lagos fully in 2000. But I started singing from a church called Temple of Deliverance Ministry in Sapele, Delta State.
Branama was no doubt a massive hit. While you were recording in the studios, did it ever occur to you it was going to be a huge success?
Yes, I saw it coming, but not like the way it exploded. Besides, it was not even the major song on the album and that time too, I was not even a good songs writer like I am today. Amazingly too, my husband wrote most of the songs in that album. Then my husband was always criticizing me, so I was very reluctant to even sing Branama to him when it was composed. But surprisingly, the day I sang the song for him, he liked it and that further encouraged me.
But at what age in life did you discover you could sing very well?
Let me say when I was eight, because that was the first time I sang in my church’s choir, where my mother is also a member. Amazingly too, my dad loves music too and gave me N5, the first day I sang in our choir and that got me excited and further encouraged.
I continued from there and kept getting money from my dad, so at that point, I knew I could sing. You know, as a Delta State born and brought up girl, I have always been bold. Truth is that my parents inspired my music growth and career.
So, in essence they supported your music career and your choice of going into showbiz?
Yes, to some extent, but they also had a problem with me when I wanted to go into it professionally. First, they wanted me to go through school first, which I did by reading Public Administration at the University of Benin. Then, wearing trousers too was an issue, because my dad was a Deacon in the church. My dad was shocked the first day he saw me on TV. In fact, my church suspended me for going into showbiz, as the director of the choir. They wanted me to cover my hair, wear long skirts, no earrings and all that, but I refused.
With all these harassments then, how did you feel?
I felt bad, but was not ready to give up my dream because I’m also stubborn. I decided to go on at the end of the day, even though it was also difficult for Surprisingly when our G.O returned from his trip to the U.S, he overruled the church’s decision and told me to go on.
While all these were going on, what was your mum’s position?
My mum was just there giving me words of encouragements. In fact, it was so tough and rough that my dad vowed never to pay my school fees again, which my uncle took over and promised to continue paying. Deep down, I was not happy that my father was disappointed in me, but at the same time, I did not want to give up on music, which I have an undying passion for. Also, I never allowed stardom to overwhelm me.
And how old were you then?
I was about 20 then.
But has your dad soft-pedalled?
Yeah and he is so happy and proud of me now. When I released Branama and invited several top dignitaries, he was overjoyed.
You are married to Alec Godwin, the CEO of your record label, how did your path cross?
Well, we met in the same church in Delta State; he was born in Sapele but from Edo State. His people own the church. I grew up knowing him in the church. But he started talking to me in 1998, but I did not take him serious because I was not interested and very young then.
So, when did you eventually give in to his pressures?
Let’s not go into all that now, but he eventually proposed and we got married in 2005.
Have you ever bothered to find out from him, the things that got him attracted to you?
Well, he said my confidence, eyes, especially whenever I look at him. He also likes my voice. Even when we were in the choir together, a lot of people always look down on me because of my age and stature. They kept saying I should leave because it was not a children’s choir.
For you, what got you attracted to him?
(Giggles) He is a very focused and gets something when he wants it, very straight forward and also, the fact that he was taller than me.
Both of you are in the klieg lights, does that clash with your personal lives?
But we have also been in the showbusiness together before getting married. It does not change anything; the difference is that I come out of his house every day.
Does your husband treat you like the star you are?
Yes, he does, at least “he de try”
And how is married life treating you?
I have been married since 2005 and we are leaving happily… It’s been good.
What are the challenges of being married to a celebrity like you too?
The fact that he has a record label, which also released me and based on the success of Branama, he decided to give a platform to other artistes and also invested heavily in them. But some of them are turning against him after all we did to help them. Some of them even went to the extent of saying that the record label is using them to build Kefee up, while in the real reason, the outfit is using my sweat and fame to promote them. One even had the guts to say that he joined the label in order to help Alec’s Music, does such statement make sense? Why come to us when you have all it takes to help yourself. One of these artistes that we have helped immensely has been going about spoiling our name. All these are not fair because they are not appreciating our efforts.
But the impression out there is that you are the iron lady of Alec’s Music and decides who gets what?
I don’t think that is true, Alec runs his show and very much in charge. Besides, I’m not bossy. I would have released my third album but can’t because we have other artistes on ground., I can’t just rail road my work like that. The only problem I have is that I’m Alec’s wife. I was not there when these people were signing their contracts, so the whole accusation is very bad. I heard recently that I have driven everybody away from Alec’s Music. Except for Rhymzo that left, all our artistes are still intact.
What kind of a person are you?
I’m a very down—to-earth person, homely and very patient. I also don’t respond very well to intimidation and I don’t like people trying to intimidate me. Like they say, a strong man stands for himself and a stronger person stands for other persons. I think I’m a stronger person because based on the success of my work; I have given other acts a platform. Despite all the ill givings, I will not stop doing my best for artistes.
What is your brand of music?
I’m an inspirational singer and sings anything that has to do with positivism. I try as much as possible to make my songs universal.
As an inspirational artiste, what stands you out?
My voice stands me out, but some people like my costume, my hairstyle, dance steps and some like everything put together. There is really something to like about me. My voice is what I like most about myself. In fact, it is my most prized possession. I love to hear Kefee sing.
Do you have role models?
I love my parents a lot; they have been married for long. Musically, I love the voice of Tracy Chapman, Lauryn Hill, Yolanda Adams, and Oprah Winfrey even though she is not a musician. Here in Nigeria, I love Christy Essien Igbokwe.
Let us take a look at your background?
I’m the third child in a family of six, we are three at par, in fact, and my younger sister is my replica.
We would like you to share your vision and mission with us as a fast growing music star?
I want to touch and better lives with my position as an artiste, basically children, that’s my mission. I look forward to having a talk show someday and also reaching out to the business world. Already, I am talking to some banks on the possibility of starting my own line of children’s’ toys. In fact, it will kick off soon.
In the next couple of years, where do you intend taking your career?
I see myself heading to the very top.
Even though you are married, how do you cope with men?
No doubt, I am married but Nigerian men still toast. In fact, one even said I should quickly go and remove my wedding ring, after asking if I was married. I was born in the early 80’s. But a lot of people see me and still think I’m still 18.
But have you ever bothered finding out what part of your body that keeps attracting these men to you?
I don’t know what they are looking for.
Does your husband get jealous sometimes?
No, he does not because he knows me and is very comfortable with me. He understands what I do and knows they will come after me.
As an artiste on Alec’s Music, what is your dream?
I really hope and pray to get to the very top and be heard globally. That is also my dream for Alec’s Music, we are also into marketing, but piracy is one of our major problems?
Any last word(s)?
This is Nigerian, it is the motherland and we should try to make it work. Together, we all can stand and that is the master plan. We should also stop blaming other people for our failures, let us own up. Special thanks to my fans for standing by me; I will never let them down because I appreciate them all.
First published, October 2007.
